Chrysler Museum of Art

Museum Art museum in Norfolk, noted for glass collections

Norfolk’s Chrysler Museum of Art houses glassworks, European paintings and decorative arts; visitors come for rotating exhibitions, a glass studio and downtown access.

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The Chrysler Museum of Art in Norfolk, Virginia is an art museum founded by Walter P. Chrysler Jr. that houses collections of European and American paintings, decorative arts and a notable modern glass collection.

Holdings in painting and decorative arts across several centuries and a dedicated glass studio that supports live demonstrations and education; the collection is used for rotating exhibitions as well as permanent displays.

The museum was founded in 1933 by Walter P. Chrysler Jr.; it has grown through donations and institutional development to become a major cultural institution for southeastern Virginia.

The museum is located in downtown Norfolk and is accessible from the city’s central districts by road and public transport, serving local and regional visitors.

  • Founding: Established by collector Walter P. Chrysler Jr., the museum's founding collection dates to 1933 and has been expanded by subsequent donations and acquisitions.
  • Glass demonstrations: An active glass studio on site offers regular public demonstrations that highlight the museum's important modern glass holdings.

What to See #

  • Chrysler Glass Studio: An on-site glass studio hosts live glassblowing demonstrations and educational workshops for visitors, and supports a significant collection of modern glasswork.
  • Permanent galleries: European, American and decorative arts galleries display paintings, sculpture and applied arts spanning medieval through modern periods, organised into themed galleries.
Chrysler Museum of Art
1 Memorial Place, Norfolk, VA 23510, United States
36.8563, -76.2922
Tue-Sun 10am-5pm, closed Mondays
Free general admission (special exhibitions may have fees)

How to Get to Chrysler Museum of Art #

The museum sits in downtown Norfolk adjacent to town landmarks; it’s an easy walk from the waterfront and city center. Street parking and municipal lots are nearby; the Norfolk Regional Transit system serves central stops within a short walk.

Tips for Visiting Chrysler Museum of Art #

  • Arrive in the morning to visit the galleries before school groups arrive.
  • Don't miss the Ferguson Center for the Arts and the museum's glass collection - the glass walls and Chihuly pieces are highlights.
  • Check the museum calendar for evening events and late openings, which are sometimes offered.

Best Time to Visit Chrysler Museum of Art #

Open year-round; weekdays and mornings are best to avoid crowds.

Spring/Summer
March-August · 15-30°C
Easier travel and additional outdoor programming in the museum plaza.
Autumn/Winter
September-February · 5-20°C
Quieter galleries and fewer school groups; good for slower visits.

Weather & Climate near Chrysler Museum of Art #

Climate

Chrysler Museum of Art's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 0°C to 32°C. Abundant rainfall (1191 mm/year), wettest in July.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
32°
Warmest Month
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coolest month with highs of 10°C and lows of 0°C. Significant rainfall (101 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
10°

Weather

101 mm
Rainfall
3.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

February

February is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 1°C. Regular rainfall (91 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
11°

Weather

91 mm
Rainfall
4.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

March

March is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (104 mm).

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cool
10°C
Temperature
15°

Weather

104 mm
Rainfall
4.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

April

April is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 9°C. Regular rainfall (81 mm).

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
21°

Weather

81 mm
Rainfall
4.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

May

May is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 14°C. Regular rainfall (100 mm).

Comfort

20°
Feels Like Mild
20°C
Temperature
14° 25°

Weather

100 mm
Rainfall
3.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

June

June is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 19°C. Regular rainfall (99 mm).

Comfort

24°
Feels Like Warm
24°C
Temperature
19° 29°

Weather

99 mm
Rainfall
3.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

July

July is the warmest month with highs of 32°C and lows of 22°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (132 mm).

Comfort

27°
Feels Like Warm
27°C
Temperature
22° 32°

Weather

132 mm
Rainfall
3.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

August

August is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 21°C. Significant rainfall (126 mm).

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
21° 31°

Weather

126 mm
Rainfall
3.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

September

September is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 18°C. Significant rainfall (107 mm).

Comfort

23°
Feels Like Mild
23°C
Temperature
18° 28°

Weather

107 mm
Rainfall
3.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

October

October is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 12°C. Regular rainfall (89 mm).

Comfort

17°
Feels Like Cool
17°C
Temperature
12° 22°

Weather

89 mm
Rainfall
3.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

November

November is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (76 mm).

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
17°

Weather

76 mm
Rainfall
3.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

December

December is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 2°C. Regular rainfall (85 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
12°

Weather

85 mm
Rainfall
3.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

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